Fitchburg Democrats to honor Olver

FITCHBURG -- In January, U.S. Rep. John Olver will retire after 42 years of public service, 21 of which were spent representing Massachusetts' 1st Congressional District.

On Saturday, the Fitchburg Democratic City Committee will honor Olver for his decades serving the region at a reception at the Holiday Inn from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

"Over the years, it seemed like whenever there was anything the area needed, he was there," said committee member Andrienne Clark, who also serves as chairwoman for the Ward 6 Democratic Committee.

She cited the $12 million in federal funding the Amherst Democrat secured to finance the construction of the Fitchburg Intermodal Transportation and the adjacent parking garage, which "has improved the whole area at a time when we're trying very hard to revive the downtown."

Olver was also instrumental in securing $75 million in federal money to improve the railroad line from Fitchburg to Porter Square, which will cut the travel time to Boston, and another $55.5 million to expand the line to West Fitchburg.

Democratic State Committeewoman and former Fitchburg Mayor Mary Whitney said she feels the area is fortunate to have had Olver as its representative in the House for so many years.

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She cited the $10 million he secured in federal funding on two separate occasions to put toward Community Health Connections, which brought health care to many who could not afford it.

Also, when the General Electric plant was closed, Olver secured funding to educate laid-off workers so they could find new jobs, she said.

"It has been my honor to serve the First District for the last 21 years," Olver said in an emailed statement Monday evening. "I have worked hard to serve the people in my district, including those in the North Central Massachusetts region. I am grateful to the Fitchburg Democratic City Committee for taking the time to recognize successes which I share with the entire region. Many of the projects begun during my tenure will, I hope, benefit the community and the region for years to come."

Those who wish to attend the reception to thank Olver and celebrate his tenure as a congressman may obtain tickets for $10 apiece by calling Clark at 978-342-3019 or Whitney at 978-345-4078 by today at 5:30 p.m.

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